Rails for supplying media

ABSTRACT

The invention relates to a device which enables the actuators and consumers provided on a roll stand for rolling metallic and non-metallic strips to be supplied with operating media. The inventive device comprises a self-supporting construction module consisting of elements of variable which can be connected to each other, the height, width and depth of said elements being variable.

[0001] The invention relates to an apparatus by means of which adjustment devices and drives on a roll frame used for rolling metallic and nonmetallic strip are supplied with fluids such as hydraulic fluid, compressed air, oil and grease lubricants, water, electricity, and the like.

[0002] German utility model 94 08 440.8 describes how conduits for feeding fluids are formed by longitudinal bores in the support frame of the machine housing.

[0003] Here outlet ports of these longitudinal bores are covered with mounting plates for fluid connector fittings on the beam outer surface. In addition German utility model 94 08 440.8 describes how the longitudinal bores can be formed in separate plates serving as reinforcement.

[0004] International application WO 00/05005 proposes connecting all the supplied devices of a rolling frame to a distribution network serving in particular for fluid media. The incoming and outgoing supply lines of the distribution network are grouped together in tubing-cluster modules on the roll frame. The control elements and valves are physically separate from the media-conducting column at a central location on the rolling frame.

[0005] It is an object of the present invention to minimize the amount of tubing in this type of apparatus, to optimally arrange the valves and control devices, to reduce the likelihood of leakage, and to reduce manufacturing costs.

[0006] This object is attained by a self-supporting module comprised of connected-together elements and of variable height, width, and depth. The modules is constructed according to the positions of the control elements and drives in and on the roll frame. This is made possible in that elements of various dimensions are brought together and connected to one another. The lower elements are secured on the parts connected with the base. Above these the remaining elements are assembled in groups and connected together. The result of this piece-by-piece construction is a static unit that does not need to be mounted on the frame of the rolling stand and that can in fact stand on its own. The module is thus self-supporting. Providing the self-supporting module externally in front of the roll stand and using modular construction reduces leaks and fires as a result of the sealing of the individual submodules together and increases operational reliability.

[0007] It is further suggested according to the invention that the self-supporting module be provided with valve blocks and control devices. Conforming their orientation to the roll frame allows the valve blocks and control units to be mounted on the module optimally with respect to the controlled elements and drives of the roll frame. As a result of the closeness of the valve blocks and control units to the control elements and drives the lengths of the connections can be reduced. Shorter connections have a positive effect on the dynamics of control. As a result of the provision of the hydraulic and electrical element outside the inner region of the frame they are protected against the heat there.

[0008] It is suggested within the scope of the invention that the self-supporting module be provided with liquid reservoirs and electrical distributors.

[0009] It is further suggested that the self-supporting module be formed with longitudinally and/or transversely fully or partially throughgoing bores between liquid connectors or a liquid reservoir or an electrical distributor or a valve or a control device. These connecting bores connect the fluid connectors, liquid reservoirs, or electrical distributors with the valves or controlled elements.

[0010] The invention further suggests that the valves and control devices be connected with the control elements or drives of the roll frame via hoses and/or tubing. As a result of the use of hoses or hoses and tubing there is less welding/soldering to be done.

[0011] It is further suggested that the self-supporting module be partially or fully premanufactured off site. The self-supporting module can be premade according to the known positions of drives and controlled elements of the roll frame. The premade self-supporting modules are premounted on and fitted to the roll frame as same is being put together in the shop. In this manner substantial assembly time is spared when the roll frame is being installed on site. The delivery and mounting of finished and tested units shortens the installation time. This allows the equipment to be put into use in a limited time frame.

[0012] According to a further embodiment of the invention a roll frame is provided with one or more of the self-supporting modules interconnected with flexible conduits. Flexible conduits are formed of individual movably assembled elements with internal hoses or electrical cables that are connected to premade connections points on the self-supporting module. The hoses or electrical cables that are used are longer than the maximum spacing of the self-supporting modules and permit some movement, even though the self-supporting modules are connected to one another.

[0013] Further embodiments of the invention are shown in the drawing and described in the following. Therein:

[0014]FIG. 1 is a schematic front view of a roll frame of a roll stand not shown in further detail with two self-supporting modules;

[0015]FIG. 2 is a perspective view from behind of a single self-supporting module.

[0016] In the embodiment according to FIG. 1 at the upstream and downstream sides of a roll frame shown in detail there are different self-supporting modules 1. The self-supporting modules 1 are mounted vertically on a base 4 near roll-frame columns 2. The self-supporting modules 1 are differently constructed according to the actual positions of drives and control devices of the rolling frame. As a result of this different construction of the upstream and downstream self-supporting modules 1, valve blocks 3′ and control devices 3 are mounted on the self-supporting construction module 1 at locations optimized for the respective drives and controlled elements. The connection of the upstream unit to the downstream unit is via unillustrated connections secured at 5 to the upstream and downstream units.

[0017] A further embodiment of the self-supporting module 1 is shown in detail in FIG. 2. As in FIG. 1 the valve blocks 3′ and control devices 3 are differently constructed and arranged at respective optimal mounting locations for the respective drives and controlled elements of the roll frame on the self-supporting module 1. Fluid connectors 6 here are adjacent the base. With the perspective view one fluid connector 6 is shown, other possible fluid connectors not being visible. A shield plate 11 on the back side of the self-supporting module 1 covers liquid reservoirs 7, electrical distributors 8, and various cable conduits 9. Further throughgoing transverse bores 10 are shown extending through the self-supporting module 1. Control cables for the control units 3 or cables for supplying electricity to the valve blocks 3′ and control devices extend through these transverse bores 10.

[0018] Connecting conduits extend from and to the liquid reservoirs 7 through transverse bores 10 to the valve blocks 3′ or control devices 3 on the front side. The upper region of the self-supporting module 1 has the connectors 5 (see FIG. 2) for flexible conduits for connecting together several self-supporting modules 1.

[0019]FIGS. 1 and 2 do not show the longitudinal and transverse connecting bores between fluid connectors or liquid reservoirs and valves or control units that extend partly or all the way through the self-supporting module 1. In addition there is no showing of the control elements and drives of the roll frame. 

1. An apparatus by means of which adjustment devices and drives on a roll frame used for rolling metallic and nonmetallic strip are supplied with fluids such as hydraulic fluid, compressed air, oil and grease lubricants, water, electricity, and the like, characterized by a self-supporting module comprised of elements connected together and of variable height, width, and depth.
 2. The apparatus according to claim 1 characterized in that the self-supporting module (1) is provided with valve blocks (3′) and control devices (3).
 3. The apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the self-supporting module (1) is provided with liquid reservoirs (7) and electrical distributors (8).
 4. The apparatus according to claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the self-supporting module (1) is formed with longitudinally and/or transversely fully or partially throughgoing bores between liquid connectors (6) or a liquid reservoir (7) or an electrical distributor (8) or a valve (3′) or a control device (3).
 5. The apparatus according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the valves (3′) and control devices (3) are connected with the control elements or drives of the roll frame via hoses and/or tubing.
 6. The apparatus according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the self-supporting module (1) is partially or fully premanufactured off site.
 7. The apparatus according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that a roll frame is provided with one or more of the self-supporting modules (1) interconnected with flexible conduits. 